Obituary of Hugh H. Campbell

Cape Elizabeth, ME - Hugh H. Campbell, Jr., formerly of Colonie, died June 21, 2012 in Portland, ME. Whether you knew him as Hugh, Dad, Big Hughie, Mr. Campbell, Gramps or Poppies, Hugh had an unsurpassed zest for life, which he shared with his late wife of 45 years, Joan, and their children, Hugh III and Janine Baldwin. Hugh cherished the many special times in Albany with Janine, her husband, John Baldwin, grandson Liam, especially on his beloved Lake George. He savored the last few years in Maine, his favorite vacation state, where his son, his wife, Beth Newlands Campbell and grandchildren, Caroline and Caleigh, made sure he had as much fun as possible. Hugh's goal in life was to have fun with family and friends. He was every kid's favorite; he ate dessert before dinner and always had room for ice cream. He loved to stay up past his bedtime watching movies or playing penny ante poker. He was a proud Scot, who wore his kilt well and proudly. He took pleasure in all his travels, anywhere from the Adirondacks to Scotland. Hugh was always the first one in the ocean or the kiddy pool with his grandkids and he took great joy in teaching many kids to swim in backyard pools over the years. You couldn't keep Hugh away from a picnic and he was always happy to show off to his friends at the Beltrone Living Center in Albany and later at Village Crossings in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Hugh had a 35-year career with the State of New York, where he admittedly, enjoyed his coworkers, much more than his work. Hugh was proud to receive one of the highest leadership awards in Scouting, the Silver Beaver Award, and continued to lead and inspire children after that, with 25 years of service to the YMCA's parent-child programs. Hugh served as a regional and national officer with the Clan Campbell Society and was a founding member of the Roessleville Alumni Association, raising money for many college scholarships for students of Colonie Central. Above all, Hugh's biggest achievement was his family and many friends. Much love to his children and their families; brother Bert Campbell and family, Ellie, Missy (thanks for Scotland) and Cyndi (Tim) Reiss; sister Heather Smith and family, Larry and Tara (Ryan) Jimenez; and dear friend Andy Bisognano, his late wife, Theresa and their family. A burial service for family and close friends will be held at Memory Gardens, 983 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany, NY on Monday, July 2, 2012 at 10AM. Later that day, family and friends are asked to stop in any time from 3-7pm to celebrate Hugh's life with a "memorial picnic" at The Meeting House at The Crossings of Colonie, 580 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie, NY- casual dress, but kilts are certainly welcomed. Please bring a favorite story about Hugh to share with his family. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Capital District YMCA, 465 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 ATTN: David Brown in Honor of Hugh Campbell, Jr.